Castolin Eutectic manufactures a patented, proprietary alloy uniquely engineered to resist damage from severe cavitation-erosion in Hydro Power Plants. With the recent launch of XuperArc welding machines, Castolin Eutectic developed a new, dedicated CaviTecTM synergic line for welding in difficult positions.

The latest software version of our XuperArc equipment comes with the integrated ready-to-use CaviTec GMA 1,2 mm program created for welding in all positions, overhead included. For on-site jobs, the lightweight XuperArc 3000 welding equipment is recommended, weighing 35 kg without cooling. For workshop welding jobs, Xuper Arc 4000/5000 is the best option.

CaviTecTM is manufactured under license from Hydro-Quebec-Canada. With its enhanced properties, this austenitic-type alloy contains controlled amounts of chromium, cobalt, silicon and maganese. CaviTecTM is proven to last up to six times longer than traditional stainless steel overlays. This high strain, work-hardening austenitic stainless steel delivers maximum protection for areas needing frequent or major repairs. CaviTecTM’s all position weldability also makes controlled overlapping and profiling very easy to do. It is available both as flux cored wire and stick electrode.

Cavitation erosion involves the formation and violent collapse of vapour bubbles within a liquid, generally due to rapid, turbulent flow changes in direction, pressure and velocity. If these microsecond, hydro-dynamic, implosive forces impinge near a metallic surface, deformation and micro fatigue cracks are created which cause grains or small fragments to gradually disintegrate from the solid substrate resulting in localised pitting wear called cavitation erosion. Cavitation first appeared as a serious problem during the latter part of the 19th century on ship propellers and today this type of wear continues to be experienced also on underwater fittings, rudders, hydrofoils, hydraulic power turbine and pump components or in any high-speed flow situation through constrictions in valves, seals, bearings, heat-exchanger tubes etc.